Great Lakes

Since 2002 we have been refining our program and working as Instructional Editors for Kiteboarding Magazine, our team has developed a two-day instructional course that can transform beginners and advanced riders into confident kiteboarders. The Northern Exposure camp is based out of Traverse City, Michigan, the most desired vacation destination of the entire Midwest. The downtown of Traverse City is nestled at the base of a 20-mile peninsula, which splits two huge bays fed off of Lake Michigan. Sound magical, it is! We have circled the globe, been to all the best kiteboarding locations, still we come to Northern Michigan every single summer!

LOCATION
The camp is based out of the Broneah Kiteboarding Headquarters in downtown Traverse City; from there we will take you to various beaches up and down the west coast of Northern Michigan depending on conditions. We have thoroughly explored this vast coastline and have found over 20 different kiteboarding spots within a 40 mile stretch of coast that are all just as good as the next. Each of these spots has certain wind directions that work best, along with multiple thermal effects, we will take you to which ever locations will get us the best wind on that day.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Traverse City offers a variety of accommodation options; from five star resorts to camping on the beach of Lake Michigan. If you are looking for a place to stay in Traverse City check out: www.visittraversecity.com

PLAN
Every camp starts and ends at the Broneah Kiteboarding shop in downtown Traverse City. The meeting time for each day of instruction is 11AM. We ask that you try to arrive 5-10 minutes early to ensure an 11AM starting time.

If this is your first time getting introduced to the sport, then don’t worry about a thing, Broneah will provide you with all the gear you will need for the weekend. If you are coming for an advanced lesson, please bring all your current kiteboarding gear so we can help you to dial it in and make sure its right for you. You can expect to see some incredible beaches and riding spots that we have spent the past few years searching for. This is the ultimate camp for any newcomer into the sport that is serious about getting going as fast as possible.

Still not convinced that Northern Michigan can be this good? Check out this short kiteboarding video clip of Broneah filmed in Traverse City Michigan at our exclusive kiteboarding training location.

EXPECTATIONS
Those of you who currently kiteboard understand that the sport is completely weather dependent; unfortunately we cannot control Mother Nature. In order to kiteboard, you have to have wind. We have traveled thousands of miles to go kiteboarding in places that “always blow” but have been without wind for weeks on end. It is just part of the sport. We will work with whatever we get, whether its 30 knots or rain, we will make the best of it. Just come with that in mind and know that we try to do as best we can to make sure the conditions look good prior to the camp.

Prepare to meet other kiteboarders in your camp that could potentially become life-long friends. We have been organizing these kiteboarding camps for many years now, and in this time have met some incredible people. Expect to learn and to share priceless memories with students of all types.

RESERVATIONS
If you’re interested in attending the Michigan “Northern Exposure” Kiteboarding Camp you need to reserve your spots ASAP. All you need to do is pick which weekend works best for you and reserve your spot. Spots at the Kite Camp are very limited so the sooner you reserve the better chance you have of getting the dates you would like. We have set up the camp so the student to teacher ratio will never be more than 3:1.

This lesson is the perfect introduction to the sport of kite snowboarding. Whether you are an experienced on the water kiteboarder or completely new to the snow, this lesson will fit your needs. The course is specifically designed to get people into this fun and safe sport over a one-day express instructional format. The school is equipped with snowmobiles and safety gear to assist you as you get your first rides in the powder!

LOCATION
The lesson is based out of the Broneah Kiteboarding Headquarters in downtown Traverse City; from there we will take you to various coaching locations of Northern Michigan depending on conditions. We have thoroughly explored this vast snow-belt region and have found many kiteboarding spots within a 20 mile radius of the shop that are all just as good as the next. Each of these spots has certain wind directions that work best, and we will be sure to take you to the proper place for the lesson.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Traverse City offers a variety of accommodation options; from five star resorts to camping on the beach of Lake Michigan. If you are looking for a place to stay in Traverse City check out:www.visittraversecity.com

If this is your first time getting introduced to the sport, then don’t worry about a thing, Broneah will provide you with all the gear you will need for the lesson. If you are coming for an advanced lesson, please bring all your current kiteboarding gear so we can help you to dial it in and make sure its right for you. This is the ultimate lesson for any newcomer into the sport that is serious about getting going as fast as possible.

EXPECTATIONS
Those of you who currently kiteboard understand that the sport is completely weather dependent; unfortunately we cannot control Mother Nature. In order to kiteboard, you have to have wind. We have traveled thousands of miles to go kiteboarding in places that “always blow” but have been without wind for weeks on end. It is just part of the sport. We will work with whatever we get, whether its 30 knots or rain, we will make the best of it. Just come with that in mind and know that we try to do as best we can to make sure the conditions look good prior to the lesson.

Prepare to meet other kiteboarders in your lesson that could potentially become life-long friends. We have been organizing these kiteboarding lesson for many years now, and in this time have met some incredible people. Expect to learn and to share priceless memories with students of all types.

RESERVATIONS
If you’re interested in attending the Michigan Winter Kiteboarding lesson you need to reserve your spots ASAP. All you need to do is pick which date works best for you and reserve your spot. Spots at the lesson are very limited so the sooner you reserve the better chance you have of getting the dates you would like. We have set up the lesson so the student to teacher ratio will never be more than 3:1.

This lesson is the perfect introduction to the sport of kite snowboarding. Whether you are an experienced on the water kiteboarder or completely new to the snow, this lesson will fit your needs. The course is specifically designed to get people into this fun and safe sport over a one-day express instructional format. The school is equipped with snowmobiles and safety gear to assist you as you get your first rides in the powder!

These lessons will be run like all Broneah Kiteboarding Michigan lessons from 11am until about 6pm.

LOCATION
The lesson is based out of the Broneah Kiteboarding Headquarters in downtown Traverse City; from there we will take you to various coaching locations of Northern Michigan depending on conditions. We have thoroughly explored this vast snow-belt region and have found many kiteboarding spots within a 20 mile radius of the shop that are all just as good as the next. Each of these spots has certain wind directions that work best, and we will be sure to take you to the proper place for the lesson.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Traverse City offers a variety of accommodation options; from five star resorts to camping on the beach of Lake Michigan. If you are looking for a place to stay in Traverse City check out:

http://www.visittraversecity.com/accommodations/

PLAN
All Traverse City Snow Kiteboarding Lessons will meet at the Broneah Kiteboarding shop by 11AM.

If this is your first time getting introduced to the sport, then don’t worry about a thing, Broneah will provide you with all the gear you will need for the lesson. If you are coming for an advanced lesson, please bring all your current kiteboarding gear so we can help you to dial it in and make sure its right for you. This is the ultimate lesson for any newcomer into the sport that is serious about getting going as fast as possible.

EXPECTATIONS
Those of you who currently kiteboard understand that the sport is completely weather dependent; unfortunately we cannot control Mother Nature. In order to kiteboard, you have to have wind. We have traveled thousands of miles to go kiteboarding in places that “always blow” but have been without wind for weeks on end. It is just part of the sport. We will work with whatever we get, whether its 30 knots or rain, we will make the best of it. Just come with that in mind and know that we try to do as best we can to make sure the conditions look good prior to the lesson.

Prepare to meet other kiteboarders in your lesson that could potentially become life-long friends. We have been organizing these kiteboarding lessons for many years now, and in this time have met some incredible people. Expect to learn and to share priceless memories with students of all types.

RESERVATIONS
If you’re interested in attending a Michigan Kiteboarding One-day lesson you need to reserve your spots ASAP. Sooner you reserve the better chance you have of getting the dates you would like. We have set up the lessom so the student to teacher ratio will never be more than 3:1.

Broneah Kiteboarding offers one-day lessons 7 days a week in the summer, fall and winter seasons. A one-day lesson is the express version of our two-day camps. For those of you who cannot work with two-day camp program, the one-day lesson is your best bet both for summer and winter.

LOCATION
The lesson is based out of the Broneah Kiteboarding Headquarters in downtown Traverse City; from there we will take you to various beaches, frozen lakes, or snow covered fields. We have thoroughly explored this area and have found over many different kiteboarding and kite snowboarding spots within a 20 miles of the shop that are all just as good as the next. Each of these spots has certain wind directions that work best, along with multiple thermal effects, we will take you to which ever locations will get us the best wind on that day.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Traverse City offers a variety of accommodation options; from five star resorts to camping on the beach of Lake Michigan. If you are looking for a place to stay in Traverse City check out:

http://www.visittraversecity.com/accommodations/

PLAN
Every one-day lesson starts and ends at the Broneah Kiteboarding shop in downtown Traverse City. The meeting time for each day of instruction is 11AM. We ask that you try to arrive 5-10 minutes early to ensure an 11AM starting time.

If this is your first time getting introduced to the sport, then don’t worry about a thing, Broneah will provide you with all the gear you will need for the weekend. If you are coming for an advanced lesson, please bring all your current kiteboarding gear so we can help you to dial it in and make sure its right for you. You can expect to see some incredible locations and riding spots that we have spent the past few years searching for.

EXPECTATIONS
Following our time tested lesson program format, you will leave with the knowledge needed to head out and do the sport safely on your own. Our goal for any lesson is to send the student home with the confidence needed to continue progression safely, being able to make good judgment and know what you are doing independently. We welcome you to book as many one-day lessons as you feel needed, until you are 100% confident on your own. Everyone progresses at different rates, were happy to work with you as many times as you need!

ABILITY LEVEL
These lessons will accommodate any ability level, beginner through advanced. For advanced lessons a wave runner will be on site for “on the water” instruction. Please notify Broneah if you have taken any previous lessons at booking.

RESERVATIONS
One-day lessons cost $450.00 per person per day. A maximum of 3 students per instructor, unless otherwise specified for group bookings. If you’re interested in attending one or multiple one-day lessons you need to reserve your spots ASAP. All you need to do is pick which date works best for you and reserve your spot.

Freshwater waves came crashing into the Point Betsie lighthouse break-wall, waking us up. It was already going off. Rolling out of the back of the RV, some of the best kiteboarders in the world prepared to blaze a trail across one of the greatest inland sites in North America: Lake Michigan.

This moment was a year in the making. Growing up in Northern Michigan and discovering the state’s epic kiting spots, we started dreaming about setting up a kiteboarding shop and school there. After busting ass for a full year and hooking up with positive people, we established Broneah Kiteboarding in Traverse City and launched this summer trip down the shore of Michigan’s freshwater ocean. Cruising along in our 24-foot motor home with a 16-foot trailer were Niccolo Porcella, Zachary Kleppe, Bri Chmel, Andy Hurdman, Ryan Riccitelli, Tim Blanchard and Joe Bidawid. On the most amazing trip ever to hit the Midwest, our mission was to convince these stars that Michigan is a premier kiteboarding destination.

Day 1-June 28
The crew rolled into the Detroit airport with tons of gear and open minds about what they were getting themselves into. We united at Broneah Boardsports, our sister store in Southern Michigan, to get acquainted and meet some local kiters. After packing the trailer full to the brim with kiteboarding equipment of every type, the riders stuffed themselves into the motor home to start out seven-day road trippin’ adventure. A cross-state trek ended at 3 a.m. at Grand Haven State Park’s sandy beach, with Zach (aka Grom) demanding to sleep under the stars wrapped in his kite quiver.

Day 2-June 29
“Holy s#!%, I cant believe how clear the water is! This is no lake- this looks more like the ocean.” The crystal-clear aqua water of Lake Michigan gets that reaction a lot. We headed to Muskegon expecting wind, but it stayed steady at about 10 knots all day. Thats a little too light to ride, but perfect for chillin’ on the beach. We played a serious game of bocce ball that led us from unsuspecting hottie to hottie. A few local girls picked us up and took us to dinner. Thats right, there’s nothing like Midwestern hospitality. They then made the huge mistake of inviting us to their house for the night to party and hang out. This sick pad had a huge deck overlooking Lake Muskegon, a short canal away from Lake Michigan. A game of flip cup loosened us all up as the mojo spread. Zach was a natural at flip cup, attempting to win the game and become initiated as a rider into the local Michigan Mafia crew, while Hurdman’s mad amounts of effort and determination resulted in “true love,” at least for a night.

Day 3-June 30
We were all stoked to finally be on the water together at Little Point Sable, and incredibly large, open beach on one of the farthest points off the Western Michigan shoreline. A light breeze early on allowed us to ride our surfboards and light-wind gear. Later in the afternoon, the winds picked up to a steady 20 knots and we were all lit and going off, with a picture-perfect backdrop of dunes and sugar sand. After a full day of riding, we continued north. Just as the sun sank, we arrived at Point Betsie, an epic kiting spot in Northern Michigan, where we shared stories with some of the locals over toasted marshmallows.

Day 4-July 1
Point Betsie is a classic wind site, and our crew made the most of it. As the morning breeze started to build, Matt and Ryan took a plane ride to get some aerial photos of the super-lit, sick session that Zach, Andy, Timmy and Keegan had. Andy was busting huge airs and killing it all over. A full morning of kiting gave way to a sunset wakeboarding session in Traverse City. Zach went for a speed record, while Andy impressed us all with his wakeboard and wakeskate skills.

Day 5-July 2
What’s the best place to chill in all of Michigan? Gotta be Mackinac Island. The only way to get around is by foot, horse and, of course, kite. On our way there, we crossed the five-mile bridge that separates Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas and crowded into the cab of the motor home to catch a view of the whitecaps and stiffie Michigan flags. The island turned out to be a pretty epic setting for Niccolo to throw down gnarly kite loops as the Mackinac Bridge, a clone of the Golden Gate, loomed in the background.

Day 6-July 3
As the days of traveling in a tightly packed group in the motor home wore on, we all decided just to stay in our home base of Traverse City. Luck for us, so did the wind. We were able to kite right out in front of our pad all day, with winds blowing southwest around 20 knots. Timmy B surprised us all with raleys and one-handed flat spins, while Grom practiced his handle passes and kite loops. We all rode for about three hours until the winds went down with the sun. That night, we loaded up with Red Bull and vodka and got lit up in the city, the staged and after-parting in the hot tub.

Day 7-July 4
Nothing says Fourth of July like an independence party. Tons of friends filled the beach and home of Broneah on a perfect sunny day. Who cared that the wind was light wen you’re blessed with beautiful women entertaining you in an afternoon photo session. Of course, later in the afternoon when the wind switched and started to blow, we jumped onto the water. The party-goers turned into a captive audience to watch the athletes bust out. As the day turned into night, the riders rejoined the party, where the music was loud, the campfire huge, the woman abundant and the vibration very chill.

Day 8-July 5
On our last day together, we dragged our hangovers onto a relaxing ride on the Nauti-Cat, a 47-foot catamaran out of Traverse City. As the sun shone down, we talked about the past week – huge smiles all around. The beauty of the Great Lakes impressed everyone with clear water every day, solid wind and fantastic scenery. Niccolo even said he wanted to live in Michigan someday. Zach thought the beaches were just like Florida’s, and the whole scene exceeded his greatest expectations. Hurdman and Kleppe thought the area was so nice that they extended their plane tickets for an extra week to train on the Traverse City waters. Mission accomplished.

SPECIAL THANKS:
Huge thanks to Matt Sr. and Mary Myers fro all the hookups, cooking and hospitality. Dibs to Doug Hoverter of Frankfort Flying Service for the aerial views and to the crew of Nauti-Cat for the cruise. Thanks to the most happening place on Mackinac Island, Village Inn, and to Star Line Ferry for transporting all of us back and forth. And much appreciation to the National Cherry Festival people for supporting our sport.

As we trekked over the desolate dunes of Little Point Sable along Northern Michigan’s pristine coastline, we watched a lonesome silhouette riding way off in the horizon. It was obvious that this mysterious figure was effusively enjoying the last little bit of sea breeze before the sun would sink into the fresh water ocean. After making the hike down the long sugar sand beach, we were able to get a closer look at this ‘soul sessioning waterman’ with his long hair and beard to match. A generous smile grew across his face as he said “Hey, I’m James Otis, are you boys gonna ride?” From this point three years ago, Otis has continued to turn heads with his riding ability, and inspire people from all over the state to blaze every session possible with all their heart.

Otis is one of those guys that are in the sport because he truly loves to do it, and is captivated by the free expression of kiteboarding. His passion for the body and soul translate into his aggressive and fluid riding style. Otis, raised in the small town of Holland, Michigan, has been a true pioneer of kiteboarding in the Great Lakes region, and has coached many of the areas riders. Whether Otis is healing a patient with physical therapy, practicing his Hare Krishna religion, performing Thai massage, instructing Yoga, or coaching a newbee how to kiteboard, this man is stoked.

At the end of the 2003 season, Otis knew that he wanted to pursue kiteboarding in another place during the cold Michigan winter months. Otis was drawn to the Dominican Republic in January of 2004 after talking with a few buddies about the epic kiteboarding conditions, world-class waves for surfing, and a comfortable cost of living allowing him to stay as long as possible. Otis was also attracted to the thought of living in a less money driven, diverse atmosphere. He stayed a total of three months in the DR, spending his days surfing, kiteboarding, and living a relaxed lifestyle, the ideal combination for this humble Michigan native.

During his stay in the Dominican, one of the largest and most respected annual events in the Caribbean took place in Otis’s backyard. The Red Bull Master of The Ocean challenges competitors in windsurfing, surfing, and kiteboarding. Participants are judged in all three categories throughout a four day period. On the final day the scores are combined and averaged to select an overall winner. You would expect someone who has lived on the ocean their entire lives to sweep the event, right? Well, this year’s results were a bit different.

Initially Otis was not interested in competing, he was in the DR to chill and have fun. After some convincing from his local friend Marcus, Otis entered the event with no expectations. Surprisingly, even with his lax approach, Otis’s caliber of riding proved to be unmatchable, boosting him into the limelight and crowned as Master of the Ocean, shocking even himself. As Otis stood on the podium in disbelief and was handed an envelope full of cash for his first place performance, he thought to himself “wow, I am really happy to be here.” Classic Otis style, he takes nothing for granted and is thankful for everything.

Otis will be moving back to the Dominican Republic at the end of the Michigan summer season for an indefinite stay. He will continue working and living a stress-free, healthy lifestyle; practicing his Yoga every morning, kiting and surfing during the day, and staying true to his Hindu religion-Hare Krishna. Otis will be missed by his riding partners back in Michigan, but understand that Otis will continue to follow his heart, and blaze every session possible with the humbleness and enthusiasm of a young child.

The School

We Build Kiteboarders

We have developed a thorough instructional program for all levels of kiteboarding any time of the year. Our PASA-certified professional coaches — recognized in Kiteboarding Magazine as among the best in the sport — are available in Michigan, Puerto Rico and Argentina. Progress your skills quickly, effectively and safely as you learn everything you need to know to enjoy kiteboarding.